Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/488/2428
From The Socialist newspaper, 24 May 2007
The alternative to Labour
This letter was published in the Guardian on 18 May.
Ghost of the left in the Labour machine
The coronation of Gordon Brown leaves a major question facing John McDonnell and his supporters. How can millions of ex-Labour voters disillusioned by the Iraq war, the acceleration of privatisation and the growing gap between the rich and the rest now have a political voice?
Britain doesn't have a genuine debate any more on domestic or foreign policy; for millions of people it doesn't seem like we even have three separate parties any more. New Labour, the Tories and the Liberal Democrats act more like three wings of the same party, vying for a middle ground that is essentially defined by being pro-big-business.
So, do those on the dwindling Labour left carry on like prisoners within the New Labour machine - occasionally smuggling notes out through the bars? Or do they, like many of us, come to the decision that we have to start again and build a new, independent party that can gain the trust and support of millions of people in this country. Already we have wide support for that discussion, with more than 2,500 sponsors, including 45 on trade union executive committees. We urge John and his supporters to draw the political and organisational conclusions - leave New Labour to the millionaires and join the socialists fighting for an independent political voice for the millions of working people.
Councillor Dave Nellist, Campaign for a New Workers' Party
Dave Church, former Labour leader, Walsall council
Roger Bannister, member, UNISON national executive
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In The Socialist 24 May 2007:
Public-sector workers say...Fight Brown's pay freeze
PCS: Public-sector unity to defend jobs and services
National Shop Stewards Network
Postal workers' strike ballot: Vote 'yes' for a future
Greenwich workers shame councillors
Labour Party leadership
Gordon Brown crowned leader with no contest
John McDonnell speaks to the socialist
Education
Academies: No to these divisive schools
Lewisham council attacks education
Canteen workers oppose school meals cuts
School campaigners shake Wokingham
Socialist Party NHS campaign
Nursing staff strike shows way forward
Socialist Party news and analysis
Marxist analysis: history
Belfast 1907 - a city in revolt
Environment and socialism
Can solar power solve our energy needs?
Scotland
SNP in power - populism and cuts
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